Online registration for this program has closed. To check availability, find out about future dates, or if you would like further information, please call 505-983-1400 ext. 111. Also, get the SFW E-Newsletter for updates!
Elliott Erwitt once expressed his fondness for capturing images of dogs, noting their agreeable nature as subjects who don’t oppose being photographed. However, while animals might not voice their objections, photographing them presents its own set of challenges. Similar to any specialized genre of photography, pet photography requires a distinct skill set and specific tools to adeptly navigate these challenges. Embracing these best practices not only enhances the photographer’s experience but also enriches the interaction with the subject, resulting in more compelling and evocative imagery.
Join Shaina Fishman, an expert in animal photography and a successful business owner for over 20 years, as she shares her insights in a four-session online course focused on building your skills in pet photography. This workshop covers the technical aspects of composition and lighting for both studio and on-location settings. Learn how to handle difficult subjects and the subtle art of photographing animals effectively.
Through guided lectures, engaging presentation materials, Q&A, and practical assignments, participants are encouraged and inspired to broaden their artistic vision by capturing animals as subjects. Students have the opportunity to share their assignment work for image reviews, discussing the challenges faced and celebrating their achievements in crafting each image.
Participants need willing animals to photograph for assignments. Be it a doggone delightful dog, a purrfectly poised cat, a hoppingly charming rabbit, or a pig-ture perfect pig, whatever critter sparks their creativity and inspiration. Join Shaina for a fun romp through the world of pet photography.
Working knowledge of digital workflow and manual mode on your digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Participants must be able to download and select images using image editing software for class sessions.
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
For the convenience of participants, recordings of each class session are posted privately for one month after the end of each session. Santa Fe Workshops takes the recordings down after one month to protect the intellectual property of our instructors.
Shaina Fishman is a commercial photographer specializing in animals. After studying commercial photography at Syracuse University, she began her career working in fashion photography and spent ten years working as Peter Lindbergh’s digital tech.
Her transition from fashion to focusing solely on animals was sparked when she began photographing her papillon and other dogs at the dog park after long days on fashion sets. Using her time in fashion photography as inspiration she uses a graphic and modern approach. Shaina’s images are playful, humorous, and personify her animal subjects.
She works on assignments from national ad campaigns to packaging and pro bono projects. Shaina has published two books and her work can be seen on packages and billboards around the world.
Website: shainafishman.com
Instagram: @shainafishman
